How to Downgrade from iOS 10 to iOS 9.3.5

--Wednesday, Dec.21, 2016

Each generation of iOS has brought to us quite a few standout new surprises. As for me, I quite
enjoy with iOS 10 on my iPhone 6s. Perhaps that's because I always tend to try novelties.
However, for some users, they may not like it so much. In fact, some people find iOS less
desirable and would like to perform a downgrade on their devices. Below is what we've received
from one of our readers.

"I've had my iPhone 5s upgraded to iOS 10 as soon as it is available. I just can't wait to try those
new features. I was so happy at the moment I unlock my screen, and ready to iOS 10. But, now
I am so regretful. Though I quite enjoy iOS 10, I find my iPhone 5s running so slowly and
sluggishly. That's intolerable! How to downgrade to iOS 9? Please HELP!"

Reasons: Why You Want to Downgrade from iOS 10 to iOS 9.3.5?

The anticipated iOS 10 seems to be less favorable to some iOS users. We noticed that some
people have posted requests on forums asking for the way to downgrade their iPhone from iOS
10 to the previous iOS 9.3.5. Isn't iOS 10 so disappointing? The answer varies from one to
another. However, most people want to do so for the reasons below.

1. iPhone/iPad/iPod appears to be having a poor performance after the update. Some users find
their devices running sluggishly compared to the status before updating to iOS 10. However, this
problems arise most on models like iPhone 5, 5c and 5s. Perhaps the previous models of iPhone
fail to have good compatibility to iOS 10.

2. Accidentally update to iOS 10. As it prompts so frequently to ask users to upgrade their
devices to the latest version of iOS. Some just inadvertently choose to update their
iPhone/iPad/iPod, which was not supposed to do.

3. iOS is less desirable for some users. Everyone has their right to like whatever they like. Some
people just are not so into the new features.

Preparation: What You Should Do before Downgrading iOS?

To back up your existing data on iOS device is of vital importance before you downgrade your
device to iOS 9. Though the way we're going to introduce to you is totally reliable. It's still
recommended to do a backup via iTunes/iCloud before. Let's see how to make a backup now.

Backup Via iTunes

Step 1. Plug in your iDevice and run iTunes on PC/Mac.

Step 2. Click on "Summary" (The "Phone-like" icon).

Step 3. Tap "Back Up Now".

Step 4. Wait until it's done.

Note that you can also encrypt backup files or do an iCloud backup via iTunes.

Backup Via iCloud

Step 1. Open "Settings" app on device.

Step 2. Scroll down and tap "iCloud".

Step 3. Type in iCloud account to log in. (If prompted)

Step 4. Scroll down and select "Backup"

Step 5. Click on "Back Up Now".

Now, the backup is done. You can also restore iTunes/iCloud backup files via iPhone Data
Recovery, which allows users to selectively recover up-to-20 types of data. You can now learn
the idea of how to downgrade your device in the next part.

Method 1: Downgrade from iOS 10 to iOS 9.3.5 via iTunes (Data Loss)

Step 1. Download ipsw.file for iOS 9.3.5

You can get an ipsw.file for the previous version of iOS 9 on ipsw.me. Please click and redirect
to this website. Then, "Choose a product" > "Choose an iPhone" > "Choose a version" and
download it on your PC/Mac.

Note that to be careful when choosing the model of your device. If the ipsw.file doesn't match
your device, the downgrading will fail.

Note that you need to disable "Find My iPhone" feature in advance if it's enabled.

Step 3. Downgrade to Previous Version of iOS

Then, select the previously-downloaded ipsw.file to open. iTunes will automatically re-install your iOS 9.3.5 on your iOS device. Please wait until it finishes and keep your device connecting to iTunes. Then, you will find your device back to iOS 9.3.5.

Note that iTunes has to erase all the contents and settings on your device in order to downgrade your device to iOS 9. That's why you need a backup in case of losing your data.

Method 2: Downgrade from iOS 10 to iOS 9.3.5 via iOS System Recovery

Downgrading iOS via iTunes is free of charge. However, you may thus lose your existing data on iPhone. Even if you've backed up data via iTunes/iCloud, it's taking you a lot of time. You have to "Back up data" > "Downgrade" > "Restore data", which is taking you around half of the day at least.

iOS System Recovery functions as a refined program to fix all iOS system problems. It also supports to upgrade or downgrade your device without any data loss. You don't even technically need to do a backup in advance, which takes you only around 20 minutes. (though to back up data is always recommended). That is why iOS System Recovery stands out! Now, let's see how it works.

Please download ipsw.file for iOS 9.3.5 from ipsw.me. Ensure that it is compatible to the model of your iPhone/iPad/iPod. Otherwise, the downgrading will be fail.

Step 2. Enter Recovery Mode

Please download and install iOS System Recovery in the first place. Then, launch the program. Now, you have to get your device into Recovery Mode before plugging it in computer.

To enter Recovery Mode:

1. Connect your device to the latest version of iTunes on computer.

2. Force start device by pressing and holding the "Sleep/Wake" and "Home" buttons at the same time. Don't realese them when Apple Logo shows up. For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7s users, hold down the Sleep/Wake and Volume Down buttons instead.

3. Keep holding down the buttons until the screen prompts you to connect device to iTunes as below.

Step 3. Downgrade your Device

Now, please go to "More Tools" > "iOS System Recovery", and click on "Start" button. Next, you will have to confirm your model and download firmware. However, since we've downloaded ipsw.file ahead of time. Just simply tap "Select" and open it to downgrade your device.

It takes a while to downgrade your device, please wait until it's done. Then, you device will automatically restart, and you will find your device back to iOS 9.3.5.

Note that you can try "Advanced Mode" if it fails. However, it will wipe out all your data.

Now that you've get your device back to iOS 9, do you feel better now? You will be glad if this
article is helpful for you. If you're having misgivings about iOS, you are welcome to leave you
comment below. We will try our best to help you out!